Thunderous Intentions
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Low key OKC Thunder trade sends Dakari Johnson to Magic

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 23: Dakari Johnson #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball before the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 23: Dakari Johnson #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball before the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

OKC Thunder seek additional cost cuts via trade of Dakari Johnson to Orlando Magic for Rodney Purvis

Although not a big trade OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti’s move to trade Dakari Johnson was no less important. Although Johnson’s contract isn’t large ($1.4 million) as per Bobby Marks  the move clears $2.6 million off OKC’s luxury tax.

In terms of specifics the Thunder are said to have also sent cash Orlando’s way. Rodney Purvis  was a desirable trade partner since his contract is non-guaranteed which allows the Thunder to waive him from the roster.

Dakari Johnson flashback:

Thunderous Intentions has consistently pointed to the big man’s game not suiting the current tenor of the NBA game. For Johnson it’s been a long, difficult journey upon his arrival to the National Basketball Association.

The former Kentucky Wildcat was selected by the OKC Thunder 48th in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft. For the next two seasons Johnson played entirely with the OKC Thunder affiliate OKC Blues.

Facing primarily his peers DJ performed well and was considered a G-League top star. Likewise each of DJ’s three Summer League appearances were highly successful.

That said, the overriding takeaway was Dakari was an excellent big man under the basket with a game perfectly suited for the old generation of centers. Simply put, perhaps Johnson was unlucky based on when he entered the league.

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The  Orlando Magic  are reportedly going to cut Dakari Johnson and no doubt will utilize some of the cash the OKC Thunder sent to help in this endeavor. Beyond his old school game DJ is unfortunate given the front court is loaded in Orlando.

The Magic drafted center Mohamed Bamba this year to join last season’s draftee Jonathan Isaac And, while Orlando have been seeking to rid themselves of Nikola Vucevic for what seems an eternity it still doesn’t bode well for DJ.

Again, Purvis (also primarily based in the G-League) is likely to be cut and was desirable to OKC given his non-guaranteed contract.

Next: 3 reasons why Dennis Schroder raises OKC roster’s ceiling

Can’t imagine this will be the last move made this offseason by GM Sam Presti. Afterall, he still has Kyle Singler to deal with — right?

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